Page 17 of Doesn't Count

“Bad idea.” He growls, his hand darting out, gripping my ankle and bringing me down once again.

This time, he hooks his arms beneath mine and drags me backward for what seems like forever.

“Let me go!” I scream, my voice cracking from the strain.

I try everything, but Khaos is determined. Light comes into view, and I can see three other cloaked figures in the shadows. With one last haul, I’m tossed into the center of the four of them. I’m surrounded by five torches, each one at the point of what looks like a pentagram drawn into the dirt, with me at the center.

“Kneel.” Khaos demands.

I’m not sure what else I can do at this point, but to just give him what he wants. Maybe then this will all be over. I crawl onto my knees, my body slumped over and tears involuntarily breaking free. A soft hum fills the silence of the night, haunting and low. It’s the type of humming that you would only hear right before death. A death I am sure would be coming for me soon.

“Look at me, Eris.” The deep command has my gaze lifting.

I stare at Khaos, hate and fear tearing me from the inside out. I’m gripped in such sickness I want to scream. He’smaddening and all I want is to claw that stupid mask off his face so I can look at him when I rip his eyes out.

The humming gets louder, infiltrating my bones, preparing me for the worst.

“My bandmates and I have seemed to come to a crossroads. They want you to stay, but I want you gone.” His words slam into me, one hateful syllable at a time.

Khaos inches closer, his figure coming into light when he steps into the circle. He crouches in front of me, lifting my chin to meet his covered face.

“So, instead, we’re giving you the choice. Are you staying or will you be heading back to Chicago?” He asks coldly.

Suddenly, I see what this is. It’s all a charade to scare me away. He doesn’t want me here, so he’s putting me through hell, giving me no other option but to run for my life. Only, I don’t plan to run. I plan on beating Khaos at his own game.

I narrow my eyes, a hatred seeping into my core, feeding a flame I didn’t know existed. “I’ll stay.”

Glowing golden eyes glower at me and I know I just gave him an answer he didn’t expect.

I taunt him with a smirk, his jaw grinding beneath his mask. I watch his fists clench at his sides as he slowly nods, accepting my answer. The old Ash would have been out of here the second she had the chance, but unfortunately for Khaos, he’s met the new Ash. The one that takes risks and doesn’t back down on a challenge, no matter how insane.

“Suit yourself. Don’t ever say I didn’t warn you.” Khaos turns his back only for a second and I watch as he lifts a metal bucket, a wet substance coats my hair, sliding down my shoulders and covering my dress. When I open my eyes, I see red. Metal reeks from the thick liquid, causing my stomach to lurch. I jump to my feet, too shocked to even scream.

The humming stops, only to be replaced with Khaos’ dark chuckle. I’m doused in what I think is blood and I’m mortified.

“There’s a hose in the back of the bus. Better wash off before you come inside.” Khaos snuffs out two of the torches, the others doing the same blanketing me in darkness once again.

Chapter Five

Khaos

“That was a little harsh, don’t you think?” Than asks, shrugging off his cloak.

Than has always been the weakest one, letting his heart lead rather than his head. Me, on the other hand, I follow the darkness that fogs my mind. There is no heart inside my chest, not since that day years ago. A day I do not speak of to anyone.

“Apparently not harsh enough.” I growl, sitting down with the guys at the table.

“Dude, you’re so fucked up.” Hypnos shakes his head.

“Not as fucked up as that one out there.” I mutter.

“How can you say that?” his voice climbs eight octaves higher in shock.

“She liked it.” I tell them.

They all stare at me like I’m crazy, but I’m not.

“I’m serious.” I lick my lips beneath the cloth. “When we were out there in the woods, she was wet. Like sexually turned on.”

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